Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Steve Jobs to take medical leave at Apple

SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) – Apple chief executive Steve Jobs said Wednesday he would take a medical leave of absence through June, saying his health issues "are more complex than I originally thought."

In an email to employees released by the tech giant, Jobs said he would take the leave of absence "in order to take myself out of the limelight and focus on my health, and to allow everyone at Apple to focus on delivering extraordinary products."

Jobs, who disclosed on January 5 that he was being treated for a "hormone imbalance," said that since that time "I have learned that my health-related issues are more complex than I originally thought."

"I have asked (chief operating officer) Tim Cook to be responsible for Apple's day-to-day operations, and I know he and the rest of the executive management team will do a great job," he added.

"As CEO, I plan to remain involved in major strategic decisions while I am out. Our board of directors fully supports this plan."